Samoan Top Chef in Dubai Helps out with CHOGM Catering

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 04 October 2024 – Samoan well known chef in Dubai, Trent Sanft is back in Apia to assist with catering of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this month.

This was confirmed by the Samoa Tourism Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia Tevita.

Toleafoa said they negotiated with another top Samoan chef in the UK, Monica Galetti who is part of the UK Television Master Chef Program.

“Unfortunately, she could not come due to family commitments but she recommended Sanft,” said Toleafoa.

Sanft is the Executive Sous Chef with the Emirates Company which includes a string of luxury hotels and airlines in Dubai for the past 13 years.

Toleafoa said Sanft is engaged under the Samoa Tourism Recovery Resilient Program and will assist with the catering presentation and preparation of high quality menu.

Background
Sanft is the son of Haine Douglas Sanft of Alamagoto and Wilma Voight of Apia.

His mother was a baker.

His career started in Samoa at the old Aggie Greys Hotel and his natural talent got him to obtain a scholarship on hospitality in New Zealand.

Returning to Samoa, he took up a full time job with Aggie Greys Hotels in Apia, then as a Chief Chef at Aggie Greys Resort at Mulifanua.

He later took a job in New Zealand before landing in Dubai.

According to Toleafoa, given the level and calibre of Sanft’s work in Dubai, they were surprised at his cost which is very low.

“We asked him why and he said he wants to help and contribute to Samoa’s hosting of CHOGM,” Toleafoa explained.